Mercedes Launch Van Swappage Scheme

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new ‘swappage’ scheme aimed at van buyers who are ineligible for the Government-backed scrappage scheme. The initiative offers them the chance to save £2,000 on the cost of a Sprinter 311CDI panel van, Traveliner, or chassis-cab with standard cab or crewcab.

Mercedes-Benz believes van operators are disadvantaged by the scrappage scheme because qualifying vehicles must be more than ten years old and, as vans are working vehicles, there are few of that age on the road. Purchases made using off-balance sheet financing are also excluded from the scheme.

Mercedes-Benz Vans’ National Sales Manager Simon Neill explains: “We quickly realised after the scrappage scheme was announced that some of the terms and conditions meant it was going to be relatively difficult for van users to benefit.

“The swappage scheme, by contrast, has been designed specifically to meet the needs of light commercial vehicle operators. It offers retail customers the chance to acquire a new Mercedes Sprinter 311CDI at a highly attractive monthly cost, and without having to put down a sizeable cash deposit at a time when for many, capital is very hard to come by.”

The scheme applies to three acquisition methods - an off-balance-sheet operating lease, contract purchase, and finance - with Mercedes paying the £2,000 deposit.